US envoy briefs Gen Bajwa on new policy

RAWALPINDI: United States Ambassador David Hale on Wednesday called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters and briefed about the new US policy amidst criticism by President Donald Trump. 

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the ambassador said that US values Pakistan’s role in the war against terror and is seeking cooperation from Pakistan to resolve the Afghan issue.

Gen Bajwa said that peace in Afghanistan is as important for Pakistan as for any country.

“We have done a lot towards that end and shall keep on doing our best, not to appease anyone but in line with our interest and national policy,” said the COAS.

He said that Pakistan is not looking for any material or financial assistance from US but trust, understanding and acknowledgement of out contributions.

“Collaboration and synergy of effort between all stakeholders is the key to success to bring this long drawn war in Afghanistan to its logical conclusion,” he said.

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However, Pakistan has said the blistering criticism by President Trump was “disappointing” and denied accusations that it supported terror groups.

In a firm rebuttal to Trump’s claims that Pakistan had harboured “agents of chaos”, the country’s Foreign Office issued a statement asserting its commitment to fighting terrorism.

“No country in the world has suffered more than Pakistan from the scourge of terrorism, often perpetrated from outside our borders,” said a statement by the FO.

“It is, therefore disappointing that the US policy statement ignores the enormous sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation in this effort,” it said.